Cats are pretty self-sufficient pets but they need tender loving care just like you do! Here are some ways to improve the life of your clever companion.
Grooming - Cats are basically clean animals and have their own bathing routine, licking their fur and paws, with the wet paws reaching wherever the tongue can't reach on their body. This eliminates the need for bathing your cat, barring some kind of extreme situation. Brushing your cat will help keep its coat shiny and clean. A daily brushing will decrease the incidence of hairballs and cut down on the amount of shedding.
Handling - We have all seen the tigress picking up her cub by the scruff of her neck. Do not do this at home! Cats should never be picked up by their front legs or scruff. Instead, support the hindquarters with one hand and gently hold your cat with the other hand against the chest, under the front legs. Some cats love to be held and others don't, so watch out for scratching and wriggling escape movements!
Housing - It is important for your cat to have its own sleeping and resting place. When it's not sleeping with you, that is! Cats like to have a soft, warm towel or blanket in a cozy basket or other appropriate cat bed. Wash the bedding often.
Litter Box - Indoor cats need a litter box. You can place your cat's litter box in a quiet location that is easily accessible for your cat. Good places to keep your cat's box are bathrooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms or basements. If you live in a duplex apartment or multi-level home, it is advisable to add an additional box on each floor. If you need to move your cat's box, please do so gradually, a little bit each day. Your cat becomes habituated to it's litter box site and you don't want it getting confused and eliminating on the floor in the box's wake! Cats are sensitive to the condition of their litter box, preferring it clean and smelling good. The best way to ensure your cat has a fresh litter box (and will use it) is to scoop out solid wastes every day and, once a week, dump the stinky contents out, wash the box with mild soap, refill and your cat should be happy.
Playing - What you've heard is true, cats love to chase mice! To thrill and delight your cat, provide your cat with toys that resemble live prey. The best toys are those that jump around and dance and look alive, this way, your can will act out its natural predatory instincts on the toys rather than your wrists or ankles. Small laser beam toys are also great to play with, just don't shine it in the cat's eyes. This makes for hours of fun. Your cat will jump on walls, furniture or wherever you shine it, running after the moving spot of light all around the house. Another stimulant for a cat is the well known catnip plant which is sold at all pet stores stuffed inside toys and on its own. Catnip causes cats to be in a state of ecstasy, rolling around on the toy or leaves for ten minutes or so. 50-60% of cats react this way and they love it. Catnip causes no harmful or permanent effects and can be administered to kittens three months and older.
Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his official site to find out more.
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